Hope is an optimistic state of mind based on the expectation of positive outcomes concerning events and circumstances in one's life or the world around them.
I like hope! Most people do not realize they can create hope. In the EPIC life, Creativity is the fourth element we embrace after Experience, Participation, and Imagination.
How do I live an EPIC life, and how do I create hope in my life, or give space to hope by creating the environment of hopefulness?
Walking is an experience in divine spaces IF you embrace the opportunity to talk while you walk. On a recent walk, my mind and soul wandered during my three-mile learning session about life.
Two encounters spoke to my soul - a menacing-looking oversized sea creature named Betsy and, later, a lighthouse. They reminded me of what we humans sometimes navigate between - fear and hope. Let me tell you what I gained and how you can set yourself up for gain with a similar experience. I’ve seen this repeatedly in my life and the lives of others I encourage and pastor.
Fear images are associated in my mind with loss, attack, insecurity, and threat. Fear images regularly emerge in our souls when we sense even the possibility of a threat to our hopes, present well-being, aspirations, and soul peace. As I walked past the mega-lobster icon pictured above I imagined what it would be like if it were real. Quite frightening, but it isn't. Most fears are like that - based on expectations of bad things happening more than they are surety. As one wrote, fear is 'False Evidence Appearing Real.'
But what about hope, the positive expectation of good? Less than a quarter-mile from that menacing sight is the Atlantic Ocean. From the shore, you can see this lighthouse prominently on the horizon. It is a guide to safety and assurance that you are not alone on the sea of life.
Where does walking enter this thought? There is an old hymn with lyrics that communicate a beautiful truth about God’s intimate desire to embrace us, share with us, and lead us through life with His love. Read the message in the songwriter’s story…
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses...
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that he gave to me,
Within my heart is ringing . . .
And he walks with me and he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known”
Often, I incorporate inspiring music, talks, and messages into my walk that inform, direct, and reinforce the strength of my soul—my mind, will, and emotions. On this particular day, that happened, and voila! I felt hope rise above my current challenge!
I say this to let you sense that I thought of goodness, help, strength, safety, opportunity, and authority more than anxiety, fear, and insecurity.
I know this is simplistic and possibly too elementary for you, but may I encourage you to embrace and enjoy the non-complicated way God wants to be with you and notice what you may overlook by not slowing down and giving him space in your life? It may turn into conversations about discovery, affirmation, faith, inspiration, and direction.
So, what do you do? I encourage you to walk a mile or two with God and let the Spirit walk with you. For me, early is better, but you may prefer evening or midday. Whenever you choose, here is what to do while walking. It can change your perspective.
· Look for images of hope, beauty, creation.
· Talk to God – Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
· Share your challenges honestly and ask for strength. And, finally,
· Enjoy the relationship.
You’ll be more than surprised. You’ll be blessed. Share your story with me. My email address is below or just hit reply on this email and connect.
My role in life is to help shepherd people to wholeness. The very word pastor is a word that means to care for. I no longer stand in a church on Sundays to talk to a static group of people. Now, I am your pastor (if you accept the relationship) and I create space in my schedule to be a pastoral coach, encourager, and partner to you. Our conversations can have many directions, but some of my curated designs to help align your life with God's purpose are listed here...
Perfect Week Rhythms Eight one-hour online meetings to help you achieve effectiveness with a more easily achievable weekly routine.
| PROBLEM: Weeks are hectic and tend to be about urgency over importance. How do we flip the script? SOLUTION: Create the perfect weekly routine |
Your Best Year Ever Monthly Guidance Twelve monthly interactive sessions to accomplish your most courageous personal visions by applying God's wisdom and Holy Spirit's presence in life. | PROBLEM: No goal follow-through year after year SOLUTION: Have your best year ever when you follow through on goals
|
Mind & Spirit Intensive Five 60-minute sessions to help you overcome limiting beliefs, grow spiritual confidence, and get unstuck in your work and life. | PROBLEM: Feeling stuck in work and life SOLUTION: Make a mindset shift to the Mind of Christ. |
Most people, even those who attend church, do not have a personal pastor. Now, you do and do not have to be a church member. If you have thoughts, questions, or comments, I will enjoy hearing from you if you want to progress in confidence and direction.
Let me know about your walk of hope.
Would you please click one of the social media icons below and share this message? Thank you!
Comments